DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEANS LESS INTELLIGENCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEANS LESS INTELLIGENCE

Posted By
Susan O'Brian of O'Brian & Associates

No matter who you are or where you came from, it is likely you agree, hurting
the ones you love is not a smart decision, and now there's new information
that may prove it. A recent study done by a psychology research lab at
Northwestern University shows domestic violence offenders may be considered
the less intelligent of all violent offenders.

According to the study which looked specifically at domestic offenders
that resulted in deaths, individuals that act out violently toward domestic
partners, rather than strangers, are found to be less intelligent, have
poorer attention, and have greater issue with executive functioning. Although
these characteristics were found across the board of all violent offenders,
they were considerably worse in domestic offenders. Some of the more telling
results showed that, among domestic violators, 80 percent had suffered
head trauma in the past, and 78 percent had a history of lifetime drug use.

In cases of domestic homicide, the murderers were more likely suffer from
some type of psychological disorder and less likely to have previous felony
convictions. Likewise, they were also less likely to be diagnosed with
an anti-social personality. The results of this study suggest that men
who hurt or murdered their female partners, whether girlfriend or wife,
are distinctly different among other violators. They show some, but not
all characteristics of violent individuals, but what characteristics they
do share are demonstrably worse.

Although domestic violence is considered a public health issue that is
completely preventable, many individuals find themselves victims of domestic
assault for extended periods of time. For these individuals, help is out
there. There are resources available to get and keep them safe. With the
help of law enforcement and a skilled attorney, immediate steps can be
taken to begin living an abuse free life.